asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will give details of the work carried out by the Geological Survey during the year 1961-62; and what work it is proposed to carry out during the year 1962-63.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Work of Geological Survey Office.
20.
The work of the Geological Survey Office in 1961/62 consisted principally of the normal continuing work of that office. This work may be broadly classified under four headings. First, the gathering and recording in suitable form of geological information; second, making this information available to the public and bringing it to the attention of those likely to be interested in developing our mineral resources; third, inspecting operations in progress under licences or leases granted under the Minerals Development Acts: and fourth, advising me on geological matters. Owing to developments of which the Deputy is no doubt aware, the level of activity has been abnormally high during much of the year. In addition to these continuing duties, the Geological Survey Office has had during 1961/62 to maintain continued supervision of the exploratory drilling work in the Leinster and Connaught coalfields.
It is expected that the work to be carried out in 1962/63 will be generally similar to that of 1961/62.